HOLLYWOOD—Who could believe that “Skyfall” marks the 23rd installment in the James Bond franchise?After so many sequels one would expect the franchise to get tired, but “Skyfall” turns out to be one of the best Bond flicks that I have ever seen.I would go as far to call it an absolute classic, for my generation, without a doubt.Let me be clear this movie has a darker tone compared to previous flicks.

Daniel Craig assumes the role of 007 once again (his third time portraying the character), with a meatier role compared to his work in “Quantum of Solace.”The opening of the movie has a serious tone; the spectator can almost sense something bad coming and it does.There is great chemistry between Craig and Eve (Naomie Harris), a field agent who works closely alongside 007.The duo is completely professional on there missions, even in tense moments where one places their fate into the hands of the other.

Daniel Craig as James Bond in "Skyfall."

Craig is challenged as an actor when he goes toe-to-toe with Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem).Silva is character that pushes James Bond to the limit; there is a homoerotic quality about Silva that is apparent in a tense scene between the villain and hero.While it’s not clearly revealed to the audience, it’s evident.Silva is out to exact vengeance on the MI6 unit who he feels has betrayed him and he goes to great lengths to get even; loads of gunfire, explosions and his relentless pursuit of M (Judi Dench).

In past Bond flicks, Dench has portrayed a more passive role to Craig’s Bond.However, this time around she is placed right into the action; there’s intensity in M that we have not seen before on the screen and Dench is superb in her acting abilities.Director Sam Mendes makes the most of the shooting locations including
Turkey and
Istanbul.The cinematography is stunning; the viewer is fully immersed into the element of action.Rather its buildings exploding, loads of gunfire being unleashed at the most inopportune moments, or an epic subway chase that will go down as one of the best in cinema history.

Bond flicks have been known for epic stunts, “Skyfall” takes that action to new heights.It’s so compelling to watch, as a spectator you refuse to take your eyes away from the screen.The narrative has a consistent pace, thanks to director Mendes whose overall tone of the picture is intense.It’s not that suave Bond flick that audiences home come to expect, its dark, but there are a few moments that will enlist a laugh or two which is a welcome transition to the serious tone of the picture.

I thoroughly enjoyed “Skyfall” and I’m not the hugest James Bond fan, so that says a lot about the picture.Rather you’re an avid fan or if this is your first Bond flick, its one that works well on all levels: directing, acting, writing and music.The movie excels at doing what a majority of action movies fail to do, it inspires the audience. You sympathize with the characters on the screen and the message that the movie intends to instill is prevalent throughout; fate is something you can not escape, no matter how hard you try to fight it.